67 steering linkage issue

[Ralph P.]

My symptom is the left tie-rod end contacting the tire ,while the right has about 11/2 inch clearance in the same area. This lack of clearance is consistant regardless of steering angle. I've recently changed from the 775x15 bias tires to a set of 205x75x15
Tiger Paws. But, these are supposed to fit with no problem. The car runs straight & I'm not seeing how alignment could be an issue...? I do see about an inch of threads exposed on each of left tie-rod ends and, only a half-inch on each of the right side ends. I'm not sure what that means . Really, the only thing I can see is possibly a bent
steering arm on the left side allowing the tie-rod end to be too close to the tire when installed ? Can a few of our Chassis & Steering experts give me some real ideas?

I really appreciate the assistance!

RALPH

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

2 Possibilities: The steering arm that is bolted to the wheel is bent. It should be a "mirror image" of the right side. The wheel on the left side has an incorrect "offset". An easy check would be to switch positions for the front wheels and see if the abnormality follows.
Another thought... is the steering arm bolted in place the same as the correct side? If there is an obstruction on the front bolt this would cause the arm to deflect toward the tire.

[Ralph P.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Thanks, Steve.... Both good points.

Ralph

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Thanks, Steve.... Both good points.

Ralph

Ralph------


If it turns out that the steering arm is bent, do not attempt to straighten it. If it's bent, obtain a good used arm.

[Duke W.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

2 Possibilities: The steering arm that is bolted to the wheel is bent. It should be a "mirror image" of the right side. The wheel on the left side has an incorrect "offset". An easy check would be to switch positions for the front wheels and see if the abnormality follows.
Another thought... is the steering arm bolted in place the same as the correct side? If there is an obstruction on the front bolt this would cause the arm to deflect toward the tire.

Similar situation on a friend's second generation Camaro decades ago... turns out the rear tire interference with the fender was due to a 8" Corvette wheel with more negative offset was on one side versus the OE 7" wheel on the other.

If the steering arm is bent enough to create that much difference, it should be obvious to visual inspection, so my bet is the tight side has an incorrect width and/or offset wheel.

Duke

[Ralph P.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Similar situation on a friend's second generation Camaro decades ago... turns out the rear tire interference with the fender was due to a 8" Corvette wheel with more negative offset was on one side versus the OE 7" wheel on the other.

If the steering arm is bent enough to create that much difference, it should be obvious to visual inspection, so my bet is the tight side has an incorrect width and/or offset wheel.

Duke

Thanks,Duke...
I suppose this is a possibility, & I will exchange front wheels to check. However, these are "Vintique.Sp?" repros I've had for about 10 years before mounting & they appeared the same when taken from the original boxes. The left clearance measurement has been less than the right for at least as long as the suspension has been together after restoration ( 20 years +).....see my original comments about the tie-rod thread differences. Also, the front end did have evidence of past damage which I could have bent the arm? I'm guessing this arm would bend ...not break?
Anyway, looking at the possible need for a good 3829497 Left Steering Arm.... What are my sources?

[Timothy B.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Thanks,Duke...
I suppose this is a possibility, & I will exchange front wheels to check. However, these are "Vintique.Sp?" repros I've had for about 10 years before mounting & they appeared the same when taken from the original boxes. The left clearance measurement has been less than the right for at least as long as the suspension has been together after restoration ( 20 years +).....see my original comments about the tie-rod thread differences. Also, the front end did have evidence of past damage which I could have bent the arm? I'm guessing this arm would bend ...not break?
Anyway, looking at the possible need for a good 3829497 Left Steering Arm.... What are my sources?

If the steering arm turns out to be OK, you may want to crosscheck the frame. The frame may be swayed from collision damage.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

If the steering arm turns out to be OK, you may want to crosscheck the frame. The frame may be swayed from collision damage.

Timothy and Ralph-------



YUP!

[Ralph P.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Thanks, Tim & Joe....
Well, I sure hope it's not frame-related ( what a nightmare that would be) . But, the left steering arm angle is definately less than the right. If they are supposed to be "mirror images", mine are not. I'm still looking for an idea of the best source for an original left arm???
I appreciate all the good help from everyone.....

RALPH

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Thanks, Tim & Joe....
Well, I sure hope it's not frame-related ( what a nightmare that would be) . But, the left steering arm angle is definately less than the right. If they are supposed to be "mirror images", mine are not. I'm still looking for an idea of the best source for an original left arm???
I appreciate all the good help from everyone.....

RALPH

Ralph------


If you look for a GM #3829497 you're going to be looking for a long time. That part number was a SERVICE part number for a unit which consisted of the left arm + an uninstalled aluminum rivet (for blocking the unused tie rod end hole). It was discontinued without supercession in April, 1982 which is over 32 years ago now.

The 63-67 left steering arm is identified by forging number 3817593. You may find used examples of these on eBay or from used parts sources like Ikerd's Corvette of Bedford, IN.

Still want to find an NOS GM #3829497? Call Piper's Auto Specialties of Vermillion, IL. If anyone has one, it'll most likely be them. However, be sitting down and moderately sedated when you ask about price. They're also a possible source for a good used piece.

[Ralph P.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Thank you, Joe..
I appreciate your clarification on the part number..AND your insight on possible sources. A good original used would be fine if NOS is as you picture...( and, I'm sure you are correct) !

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

There are some original steering knuckles on EBay right now........

[Ralph P.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Steve, I see some for 69 up, not 67...? I'm looking under "collector car parts" in Ebay Motors..... Do you see others?

Thanks

[Ralph P.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

There are some original steering knuckles on EBay right now........

Never mind, Steve...I found the correct listing & jumped on it! THANKS !

[Jim S.]

Re: 67 steering linkage issue

Thanks,Duke...
I suppose this is a possibility, & I will exchange front wheels to check. However, these are "Vintique.Sp?" repros I've had for about 10 years before mounting & they appeared the same when taken from the original boxes. The left clearance measurement has been less than the right for at least as long as the suspension has been together after restoration ( 20 years +).....see my original comments about the tie-rod thread differences. Also, the front end did have evidence of past damage which I could have bent the arm? I'm guessing this arm would bend ...not break?
Anyway, looking at the possible need for a good 3829497 Left Steering Arm.... What are my sources?

I believe that GM had a pendulum test where the front wheel rim was impacted on a complete car. The steering arm, tie rods, and steering gear had to survive the test with bending allowed but no breakage of component parts. I know that prototype Saturn vehicles were subjected to that test. I assume it was a generic GM test that all new vehicle designs had to survive.
Jim